Discounting

We believe a guideline on sentence discounting where a guilty plea has been tendered presents significant opportunities to improve public understanding of sentencing and to assist with predictability.

Support and advocacy organisations tell us that victims and their families sometimes find it difficult to understand why a discounted sentence has been given in certain circumstances and there is anecdotal evidence from practitioners that a guideline would provide greater predictability for accused persons.

Because of the high proportion of guilty pleas, the guideline is likely to have broad applicability and therefore has the potential to considerably impact practice.

This guideline is currently at Stage 2 of processing and is being dealt with by the Discounting committee.